Deodorizing boot stand

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for the storage of boots and shoes includes two or more hollow boot-shaped form members removably supported in an inverted upright position by a base. The forms each have a foot-shaped end with a sole-shaped surface. Holes in the sole-shaped surface communicate with the hollow interior. Each of the forms has a compartment integrally formed in the foot-shaped end, with holes in the walls of the compartment communicating with the hollow interior, so that when a deodorizing and/or disinfecting substance is placed in the compartment, and the form is placed inside a boot, vapors emanating from the substance can circulate to the interior of the boot. Each of the forms also has integral means for (a) allowing the escape of air as the form is inserted into a boot, and (b) facilitating the removal of condensed moisture from the boot&#39;s interior.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of shoe and boot forms used formaintaining the shape of shoes and boots when such articles of footwareare not being worn. In particular, the invention relates to devices ofthis type which also include a compartment for the storage of adeodorizing or disinfecting substance.

Through the years, there have been many types of forms, known as"trees", that have been devised for preserving and maintaining the shapeof shoes and boots when such articles are not being worn. While thetypical prior art shoe or boot tree is capable of achieving satisfactoryresults in this regard, there have been attempts in the prior art toprovide boot or shoe forms which accomplish other functions along withthe basic function of preserving the shape of the footware. For example,there have been attempts in the past to provide a shoe or boot treewhich performs a deodorizing or disinfecting function when it isinserted into the footware. Such attempts are exemplified by the devicesdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,460,405 to Abrams et al and in U.S. Pat.No. 2,510,315 to Malberg. The approach used in these devices is toprovide, in the body of a shoe tree, a compartment adapted to receive adisinfecting or deodorizing substance, with apertures in the compartmentwhich permit the circulation of fumes or vapors emanating from thesubstance within the compartment.

One problem with the prior art devices is that they were designedspecifically for use in shoes or other low cut forms of footware. Thus,these designs do not address some of the problems that are peculiar toboots. Specifically, a boot tends to collect more perspiration in itsinterior than does a shoe. Consequently, it is frequently desirable tostore boots in an upside down position to allow the drainage of suchperspiration. The shoe trees disclosed in the Abrams et al and Malbergpatents do not provide any convenient means for achieving an invertedstorage position.

In addition, it is frequently desirable to provide some means formaintaining the shape of the calf portion of the boot. The devicesdisclosed in the aforementioned prior art patents were not designed toperform such a function. While the use of the forms or treesspecifically designed for boots is well known, (e.g. U.S. Pat. No.1,582,143--Perrault et al and U.S. Pat. No. 1,755,248--Flink), suchdevices frequently require relatively complex mechanisms to overcome theinherent difficulty in inserting the form-fitting tree into the boot.

From the foregoing, it can be appreciated that it would be advantageousto provide a form or tree specifically designed for boots, in thatprovision would be made for storing the boots in an inverted position,while also allowing for ease of insertion into the boot. It can be seenthat it would be desirable to have these advantages in a device whichmaintains the shape of the boot in storage, while also providing meansfor deodorizing or sanitizing the boot, if desired. Furthermore, itwould be advantageous to provide such a device which is adaptable alsofor use with low-cut shoes, and which lends itself to relatively simpleand economical construction, while also providing a sturdy andaesthetically pleasing structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, the present invention comprises two or more boot- orshoe-shaped form members removably supported by a base so as to be in anupright position, with the foot-shaped part of the forms uppermost. Theforms are substantially hollow, at least at the foot-shaped end, withthe top of the form (the foot-shaped end) being perforated with aplurality of holes which communicate with the hollow space in the form'sinterior. Each of the form members has a recessed compartment integrallyformed at or near the foot-shaped end thereof. At least one of the wallsof the compartment is perforated with a plurality of holes whichcommunicate with the hollow interior of the form, and the compartment isadapted for the attachment of a removable cover. As will be seen, thepurpose of the compartment is to contain a deodorizing or disinfectingsubstance, preferably in the form of a small sachet. When such a sachet,for example, is placed in the compartment, and the form member isinserted into a boot or shoe, the fumes or vapors emanating from thesubstance in the sachet pass from the compartment to the interior of theshoe or boot through the holes in the compartment, the hollow space inthe form member, and the holes in the foot shaped end of the formmember.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of one or morelongitudinal troughs extending along each side of the form member. Thepurpose of the troughs is two-fold: To facilitate the insertion of theform into a boot by allowing the passage of air out of the boot as theform is inserted; and to allow the drainage of moisture from the bootwhen the boot is stored on the form in an inverted position.

As will be appreciated from the detailed description which follows, thepresent invention offers the advantages of effectively and efficientlydeodorizing and/or disinfecting an article of footware, while alsoproviding the desired shape-maintaining function. Moreover, when usedwith boots, the structure of the invention allows for ease of insertionof the form member, while also allowing efficient removal of moisturetherefrom. All of the aforementioned features and advantages areprovided with a structure which is easily and economically manufactured.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a boot stand in accordance with thepresent invention, showing the base thereof and a pair of form members;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of one of the form members of FIG. 1along line 2--2 thereof; and

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the base and one form member, takenalong line 3--3 of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the drawings, the numeral 10 designates a boot standconstructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. The stand 10 includes a base 12 having a substantially planarupper surface 14, and at least two form members 16a and 16b, shaped, aswill be further described below, to accommodate a left boot and a rightboot, respectively. As will be made clear from the description thatfollows, the invention can be made to accommodate any number of formmembers.

In describing the form members 16a and 16b, reference will be madegenerally to "the form member 16" since, except for shape and possiblydimensions, all of the form members will be similarly constructed.

As best shown in FIG. 1, each of the form members 16 has a generallyfoot-shaped first or upper end 18, having a substantially flathorizontal lateral surface 20 in the outline shape of a shoe sole. Asbest shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the opposite or lower end of the form 16terminates in a cylindrical extension or boss 22, the purpose of whichwill be described later on. Extending longitudinally between the upperend 18 and the boss 22 is an intermediate portion 24 in the generalconfiguration of the calf and ankle portion of a boot. One or morelongitudinal channels or troughs 26 extend from the upper surface 20down along at least a substantial length of the intermediate portion 24of the form member 16, on each side thereof. Preferably, at least twosuch troughs 26 are formed in each side of the form members 16, asshown. The purpose of the troughs 26 will be described later on.

The form members 16 are substantially hollow, with a hollow space 28being provided at least in the foot-shaped portion 18 thereof. Aplurality of holes 30 in the upper surface 20 of the form member 16communicate with the hollow interior space 28. The foot-shaped portion18 of the form member 16, being in the general configuration of a humanfoot, has a toe-shaped end 32 and a heel-shaped end 34. Integrallyformed in the heel-shaped end 34 so as to extend into the space 28 is acompartment or receptacle 36, suitably dimensioned to contain a package(preferably a sachet) of deodorizing or disinfecting material (notshown). Access to the compartment 36 is gained through an opening 38 inthe heel-shaped portion 34 (FIG. 1). The walls of the compartment 36 areprovided with a plurality of holes 40 which communicate with theinterior space 28, as best shown in FIG. 2. A groove or track 42 isprovided along at least two parallel peripheral edges of the opening 38,as best shown in FIG. 1. The track 42 is dimensioned to engage theperipheral edges 43 of a removable cover member 44, which can thus beslid on a track 42 selectably to cover and uncover the compartment 36.When the cover member 44 is in its closed position, as shown in FIG. 2,it is flush with the upper surface 20 of the form member 16. The covermember 44 is provided with a plurality of holes 46 which communicatewith the interior of the compartment 36.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the base 12 is provided with a plurality ofcylindrical apertures 48. Although at least two such apertures 48 arerequired, any number may be provided. As shown in FIG. 3, each of theapertures 48 is dimensioned snugly to receive the boss or extension 22of one of the form members 16. This arrangement allows the form member16 to be securely supported in an upright position with the lateralupper surface 20 topmost, as shown. The base 12 may also be providedwith one or more compartments 50, in the form of depressions in theupper surface 14 thereof, for storage of various implements (such asbrushes and the like) which may be used in the care and maintenance offootware.

When it is desired to store an article of footware, such as a boot, apackage of deodorizing and/or disinfecting substance is inserted intothe compartment 36, and the compartment is closed by means of the cover44. The form member 16 is then inserted into the boot. Since the formmember 16 is shaped and dimensioned to conform closely to the interiordimensions of the selected article of footware, insertion of the formmember may be difficult without some means for allowing the escape ofair from the interior of the boot as the form member is inserted. Thetroughs 26 facilitate the insertion process by providing channels forthe escape of this air. Once insertion is completed, the boot is storedin an inverted position by the insertion of the boss or extension 22 ofthe form member 16 into a selected aperture 48 in the base 12. Whilethus stored, vapors or fumes emanating from the substance in thecompartment 36 are allowed to circulate into the interior of the boot bymeans of the apertures 40 in the compartment 36, the hollow interiorspace 28 in the foot-shaped portion 18, and the holes 30 in the lateralupper surface 20 of the form member 16. Circulation is also provided bythe holes 46 in the cover member 44. Moreover, removal of condensedmoisture from the interior of the boot is enhanced by the troughs whichprovide drainage channels for such moisture. When it is desired toremove the form members from the articles of footware, the cylindricalboss 22 provides a convenient grip.

It will be appreciated that the form members 16 can be shaped anddimensioned to accommodate any selected article of footware. Thus, forexample, although the preferred embodiment described herein isspecifically designed for use with a calf-length boot or the like, lowcut articles of footware, such as ordinary shoes, can also beaccommodated. It will also be appreciated that the components of theinvention can be economically manufactured from such materials as moldedplastic.

There has thus been described an apparatus for the storage of articlesof footware which provides for the effective and efficient deodorizingand/or disinfecting of such articles while they are in storage, whilealso providing means for the efficient removal of moisture therefrom.The present invention also provides the necessary shape-preservingfunction, using a form member which is easily inserted into and removedfrom the footware article stored thereon. The apparatus can be easilyand economically manufactured and the components thereof are easilyassembled and disassembled.

It should be noted that while the embodiment described herein ispreferred, modifications thereof will come to mind which are within thescope of the invention. For example, the base 12 can assume any of avariety of shapes and the compartment 36 can be located in thetoe-shaped end 32 of the form member 16, or in any other convenientlocation. Also, the closure means (track 42 and cover 44) can bemodified so that the cover is attached by a snap fit, rather than by asliding action. These and other variations will be apparent to thoseskilled in the pertinent arts, and should therefore be considered withinthe spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. Apparatus for the storage of articles of footwarecomprising:a base; at least a pair of form members shaped anddimensioned substantially to conform to the shape and dimensions of aselected pair of footware articles to be stored thereon, and therebyadapted to maintain the shape of said footware articles when one of saidform members is inserted into the interior of one of said footwarearticles, said form members each having a first end and a second end,said first end having a lateral surface configured generally in the formof a shoe-sole, each of said form members having a hollow portion atleast at said first end; means for removably attaching said second endof each of said form members to said base; a plurality of holes in saidlateral surface of each of said form members, said holes communicatingwith said hollow portion thereof; a recessed compartment, integrallyformed in each of said form members near said first end thereof, andhaving a plurality of holes communicating with said hollow portion;means for accessing said compartment from the exterior of said formmember; and closure means for selectably opening and closing said meansfor accessing; whereby said compartment is adapted to receive adeodorizing or disinfecting substance productive of vapors, said vaporsbeing passed from said compartment to the interior of said article offootware through said holes in said compartment, said hollow portion,and said holes in said lateral surface when said article of footware isstored on said form member.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidbase has a substantially planar upper surface, and said means forremovably attaching said second ends to said base comprises:alongitudinal projection extending from said second end of each of saidform members; and at least two apertures in said planar upper surface ofsaid base each dimensioned to receive snugly said projection.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said form members has alongitudinal intermediate section between said first and second ends,each of said form members further comprising:air passage means, in saidintermediate section, for (a) allowing the escape of air from theinterior of an article of footware as said form member is insertedtherein, and (b) providing a path for the escape of moisture from theinterior of an article of footware which is stored on said form member.4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said air passage means comprises atleast a pair of laterally-opposed, longitudinally-directed troughs ineach of said form members, extending from said first end thereof throughat least a substantial length of said intermediate section.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein said means for accessing said compartmentcomprises an opening in the surface of said form member communicatingwith the interior of said compartment and having at least two parallelperipheral edges.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said parallelperipheral edges each carries means defining a track, and said closuremeans comprises:a cover element dimensioned to cover said opening; andmeans on the periphery of said cover element adapted for slidableengagement with said track; whereby said closure means is slidable insaid track selectably to cover and uncover said opening, and wherebysaid cover element is substantially flush with the exterior surface ofsaid form member when said opening is covered.
 7. The apparatus of claim6, further comprising a plurality of holes in said cover element adaptedfor communication with the interior of said compartment when saidopening is covered by said cover element.
 8. The apparatus of claim 2,wherein said base has an elongate recess in said upper surface thereofadapted to receive a brush.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidlateral surface has a toe-shaped portion and a heel-shaped portion, saidcompartment being located in said heel-shaped portion.
 10. Apparatus forthe storage of articles of footware, comprising:a base having at leasttwo substantially cylindrical holes therein; at least two form members,each having a first end shaped and dimensioned substantially to conformto the shape and dimensions of a selected article of footware, and asecond end longitudinally spaced from said first end and having asubstantially cylindrical boss extending therefrom, said bossdimensioned to be received snugly in at least one of said holes in saidbase; an intermediate longitudinal section between said first and secondends of each of said form members; at least one longitudinally-directedtrough extending from said first end to said second end of each of saidform members; a hollow portion in each of said form members at least atsaid first end, said hollow portion communicating with the exterior ofthe form member through a plurality of apertures in said first endthereof; a recessed compartment, integrally formed within each of saidform members near said first end thereof, and having a plurality ofholes communicating with said hollow portion; an opening in the exteriorsurface of each of said form members for accessing said compartmenttherein; and a removable cover for each of said openings adapted to fitsubstantially flush with the exterior form member surface surroundingsaid opening.